Beth n Rod

I guess you can't please all of the people. A portion of this thread has already made it to another board full of disdain from the very start. No matter, it is how things are handled here that counts and what our members have looked to us for. A few may complain but it is the majority that we consider. As per majority vote, we have closed a number of the popular forums and now discussions can take place in a more secure manner as the consensus has desired. A more positive new feature has been added that allows users the distribution and collection of 'karma' in the form of frubals. http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/club-house/11618-all-about-frubals-what-world-frubal.html We think it is a better way to communicate positively amongst each other and encourages professional interaction. We understand fully that there may be some heated debates as the past has shown but we can all be mature enough to consider our words before clicking the "Post Quick Reply" or "Submit Reply" buttons. This industry needs to show to not only ourselves but to the public at large that we can act professional, communicate professionally and above all be responsible for our actions. We need unity and cohesion. BBS's help. Thank you Ron and Ken for your input and feedback. As always, sometimes we do not agree but you have shown it does not mean that we cannot get past those differences to arrive at a mutual solution. Jeff, you lefty righty political nonchalant (sarcasm, what a concept), you keep on being who you are and thank you for your contributions. They do not go unnoticed. Carlos, you have been quite busy in your enterprise and we appreciate seeing you here. It is in our hopes that you and others continue to find value and interest here to benefit from in your businesses. Rod!~

Thank you Ron. Well put, and BRAVO! I'm glad you said it. Moderation has worked and does work, when done thoughtfully. This can be frustrating, but as we have seen clearly it is better than the infraction system. Self moderations, well, all I'll say is look at TCN. There is a group and they run like a pack of wild dogs. Then look at the tone on PTS. Now just because a group of people seem to agree that it is ok to get their rocks off on a couple members or to bash other BBS's, doesn't make it so. This unprofessional behavior IS seen by ALL spiders and engines and is indexed!! So while you think 'hey I can go trash so and so on Bob's BBS, no one will see it' you are WRONG. As the site grows and the content gets better ranking, all that same tripe you didn't want to see on a popular board like TGS or *** because it makes you too visible, will now be in full view on your secret happy hiding place. Those forums are OPEN. I have already seen threads on both Google and Yahoo from PTS that were ugly in the engines. Yes, infractions are gone here, but we will not become an unprofessional BBS. It's not who we are, or who we have ever tried to be. When we opened years ago we said then we want to be the most professional BBS with the best content. Lofty goals, but this is our dream. If you break rules you will be dealt with here like you were before the infraction system. This and other BBS's like ***, are for ALL the members. Striking out at an admin, moderator or other member is harmful to ALL. Many people choose not to post because of the selfish behavior of those who feel they have a right to spew negative, nasty, vile comments towards others without consideration. Some users are afraid of these posters and see them as bullies. Some even contact us and tell us they are afraid to post! I'm sure Ron has heard that too over the years. So the next time you think you are being righteous, and are all wrapped up in your free speech and censorship place, try thinking about how harsh your words are and how they effect others. Beth :cup:

Hard feelings were never the intention. It was a simple matter of wanting a system that was automated, and tracked things. (time saver with a history) But, sometimes human intervention and judgment are better as we have found. Not one of the better ideas we have implemented among some pretty good ones, but then we are all bound to have a stinker now and then. Life goes on, and the forums continue to grow. :) Beth

Yeah we do need the rain. Its been very very dry here this year. Here's an update. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Subtropical Storm GABRIELLE 000 WTNT22 KNHC 081441 TCMAT2 SUBTROPICAL STORM GABRIELLE FORECAST/ADVISORY NUMBER 3 NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL072007 1500 UTC SAT SEP 08 2007 AT 11 AM EDT...1500 UTC...A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS ISSUED FROM SURF CITY NORTH CAROLINA NORTHWARD TO THE NORTH CAROLINA/VIRGINIA BORDER...INCLUDING THE PAMLICO AND ALBERMARLE SOUNDS. A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS. AT 11 AM EDT...A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS ISSUED FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN VIRGINIA FROM NORTH OF THE NORTH CAROLINA/VIRGINIA BORDER NORTHWARD TO CAPE CHARLES LIGHT ON THE ATLANTIC COAST AND TO NEW POINT COMFORT ALONG CHESAPEAKE BAY. AT 11 AM EDT...THE TROPICAL STORM WATCH SOUTH OF CAPE FEAR HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED. A TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR A PORTION OF THE COAST OF NORTH CAROLINA FROM SOUTH OF SURF CITY SOUTHWARD TO CAPE FEAR. A TROPICAL STORM WATCH MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA...GENERALLY WITHIN 36 HOURS. SUBTROPICAL STORM CENTER LOCATED NEAR 31.5N 74.2W AT 08/1500Z POSITION ACCURATE WITHIN 20 NM PRESENT MOVEMENT TOWARD THE NORTHWEST OR 305 DEGREES AT 9 KT ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE 1009 MB MAX SUSTAINED WINDS 40 KT WITH GUSTS TO 50 KT. 34 KT....... 90NE 0SE 0SW 100NW. 12 FT SEAS.. 75NE 30SE 30SW 60NW. WINDS AND SEAS VARY GREATLY IN EACH QUADRANT. RADII IN NAUTICAL MILES ARE THE LARGEST RADII EXPECTED ANYWHERE IN THAT QUADRANT. REPEAT...CENTER LOCATED NEAR 31.5N 74.2W AT 08/1500Z AT 08/1200Z CENTER WAS LOCATED NEAR 31.2N 73.8W FORECAST VALID 09/0000Z 32.4N 75.3W...TROPICAL MAX WIND 45 KT...GUSTS 55 KT. 34 KT... 90NE 0SE 0SW 100NW. FORECAST VALID 09/1200Z 33.8N 76.0W MAX WIND 50 KT...GUSTS 60 KT. 50 KT... 50NE 0SE 0SW 0NW. 34 KT... 90NE 40SE 40SW 90NW. FORECAST VALID 10/0000Z 35.2N 75.6W...NEAR NC OUTER BANKS MAX WIND 55 KT...GUSTS 65 KT. 50 KT... 50NE 0SE 0SW 0NW. 34 KT... 90NE 40SE 40SW 90NW. FORECAST VALID 10/1200Z 36.4N 74.0W MAX WIND 55 KT...GUSTS 65 KT. 50 KT... 50NE 25SE 0SW 0NW. 34 KT... 90NE 75SE 40SW 75NW. FORECAST VALID 11/1200Z 39.0N 68.0W MAX WIND 55 KT...GUSTS 65 KT. 50 KT... 50NE 50SE 0SW 0NW. 34 KT... 90NE 90SE 30SW 30NW. EXTENDED OUTLOOK. NOTE...ERRORS FOR TRACK HAVE AVERAGED NEAR 225 NM ON DAY 4 AND 300 NM ON DAY 5...AND FOR INTENSITY NEAR 20 KT EACH DAY OUTLOOK VALID 12/1200Z 44.0N 58.0W...EXTRATROPICAL MAX WIND 50 KT...GUSTS 60 KT. OUTLOOK VALID 13/1200Z 46.0N 46.0W...EXTRATROPICAL MAX WIND 45 KT...GUSTS 55 KT. REQUEST FOR 3 HOURLY SHIP REPORTS WITHIN 300 MILES OF 31.5N 74.2W NEXT ADVISORY AT 08/2100Z $$ FORECASTER KNABB

I hear that on the back stress! We mounted everything in order to avoid carrying lots of stuff to the backs of homes or townhouses. For washing, we only roll off hoses. For sealing though, we still have the Titan sprayer, tarps, plastic and other masking supplies to tote but at least they are lighter in comparison. Nothing innovative here perhaps with the exception of the sprayer which keeps the tarps and plastic cleaner due to less overspray and large droplets from the unit. It may cloud a bit but nothing a spray shield won't help minimize. Rod!~

Semantically I guess that would be considered innovative Ken in terms of which is using the best means to accomplish the task; the pump up sprayer applicator or the downstreamer. Each though has it's pro's and con's. But overall, the innovation is in having an alternate means to apply chems with beyond what a novice would understand. Downstreamers are not new but their uses are expanding to a degree. Innovations are also in the form of other sprayers that have higher volume pumps to apply stain with in order to get the job done quicker. I don't necessarily think it is the best but to some it is a preferred way to do it. This in their eyes is innovative. I am just waiting for the innovations in chemicals in so much that they do all the work in one step instead of two. Innovation saves time and money which are two important factors in any business but the one qualifier for me is to not sacrifice quality or user safety. Rod!~

This is a hard one to isolate as I do not know what the extent of knowledge is with anyone in particular. We have some pretty talented members here on TGS so their input will definitely shed some light on this one. I think the principles are known for the most part, it is the techniques and methodology that can differ from one company to the next. We all work in different areas of the country which have various restrictions and requirements which can shape how we perform our services but negligibly at best. Washing and staining a deck in a day is a good goal but for those who offer sanding as a standard part of their service, this is not feasible while the wood is still wet. The standard service of hammering down nails should be done once the wood is dry as well. This allows for the wood to complete it's dynamic expansion and contraction from water exposure and settle enough to make this service lasting. I have heard of many using an m-5 or x-jet to apply chemicals but having seen the damaged plants that surround many of the structures we service, this is not an option unless it is a percarbonate alone. The number of employees on the task is another variant which is decided according to price structures and demographic affluence. Balls up in the air on this one surely. Types of equipment, setups, and tank usage can vary according to preference and the availability of water supply in specific areas of the outer suburbs where wells are predominant. Some like just cold water units where others incorporate hot water units to increase the effectiveness of the chemicals for cleaning concrete and house washing requiring less in the process. So, unless anyone is willing to send their head in a box so another can look into it to see what they know vs what the other knows, this could turn into a thread of speculation for all we know. btw, supply return postage if you want it back! ;) I like the segway into innovation as it involves some of the most interesting ways to apply technology to accomplish various results in wood restoration. Low pressure for example. Many are talking about this more and more as it is becoming quite easier to do these days with some of the chemicals on the market that we use. Applying, brushing and rinsing with low pressure is becoming just as effective as higher pressure used to be without the detriments of getting too close to the wood either accidentally or by lack of experience. Rod!~

*** has always been a wonderful forum. Grant M. has been the admin there for a couple of years now. He's turning over the responsibilities of Admin to Russ S. Russ has been a strong moderator over there, and we at TGS wish *** success. Thank you Grant, and good luck Russ! Beth

We used to use Wolman F&P years ago but had to stop because of faulty seals on the pails. This allowed a skin to form inside and made a mess using pump up sprayers which we were using at the time. Still, the quality of the product also changed and it would turn dark faster and not hold up as well. This was also around the time of WT debut. We had found our rosetta stone of sealers. Anyway, F&P leaves the wood looking kind of ... dead after it has been stripped off but that is just an opinion and not just mine, but that of many of our customers as well. It may have been a good preservative but it did not live up to the name 'finish' well at the time of our product change. I cannot speak to the quality of the product today as it has been 5 years since last using it and would not want to discourage anyone from sampling it as formulations for numerous products have gone through changes to meet tighter VOC restrictions. Wolman may have gotten the formulation right by now and it is possible that what you have experienced was an older batch. Rod!~

The State of Maryland has an online database listing all contractors who have an MHIC license. Beth

Here is one place to start... http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/faq.php?faq=new_faq_item Welcome to TGS! Beth

Well, here's a prime example of what has been discussed here. Maryland Pressure Cleaning and Deck Cleaning,power washing,siding This guy is not even licensed. And who does a house wash or 400 sq ft deck wash for $195?!?!?!?!?! ROTFLMAO Amazing. Beth

Nothing wrong at all with reviving an old thread. Sometimes they have some very helpful info in them. :) Beth

And here is proof of The Matrix's energy derived from humans. It's not the body heat but the 'natural gas' we produce. :lol: That clip was hilarious. Reminds me of our bands keyboard player who did this in the motel room and scared the crap out of me cause I thought it was going to ignite the bedspread...The room bill was on my CC. Rod!~

If you want some constructive criticism... You need to have more consistency in your sites functionality ie the mouse over function for the before and after should be on all photos. Also, when I click for services that you don't put much emphasis on such as wood, I just get moved to a lower area of a page containing several other services. This is a bit distracting from the reader who is trying to get to a specific thing and suddenly is offered many things instead of the choice selected. Overall, the site looks great and loads well, thought I would mention a couple of the items that you may want to consider from a readers point of view. Rod!~

This is a poll to find out who would be interested in TGS hosting a football pool. Beth and I would be exempt from the pool but the rest of the members would get to play. Please vote. Rod!~ btw, if any ideas, please speak up...

They are in the NFC division poll. Rod!~

Cool site Jeff! Beth :cup:

The poll's are up in the clubhouse main forum. They are set to sticky for the season so they will be easy to find and keep track of. Also, multiple choice is enabled for those who wish to vote for teams in other divisions as well. Rod!~

Mine fell in line with The Dalai Lama midway in the bottom left quadrant. :yoda: Rod!~

:lol: Please don't go there!!!! :sick: :seeya: Beth

It could be an unloader problem. Something impeding the unit. If it was the pump, the packing would be the first thing to check...but I would recommend a knowledgeable service guy myself for either situation. Rod!~

It has actually a 3800lb cargo capacity (1.9 tons) Slightly wider, taller and more spacious than a regular van plus it runs on diesel. You can get it in 2 different heights but we do not recommend the higher one as these vehicles tend to have entry problems in low overhead areas and frequently are raked by tree branches in neighborhoods in the regular height version like we have. Still plenty of room to work in even for a guy my height (6'/2"). The pw'er unit is mounted at the rear with all exhausts directed out the back door. A square 185gal tank mounted mid axle and the 3-stack hose reel mounted just behind the drivers seat. Plenty of room with a 3/4" plywood table built atop the tank with shelves on the side for assorted frequently used items (gloves, masks, tips, nozzles etc.) Our pw'er weighs in at about 800lbs with the fuel and water in the system, plus around 450lbs for the 4 hose reels including the water in the hose lines and 185 gal tank which weighs 200 lbs + when filled weighs 8lbs/gal X 185gals = 1480lbs. All total, 2930lbs before passenger and driver and the springs don't even sag at that capacity. It's a tough van. See Dirt Run! - Mobile restoration unit - from the back - Powered by PhotoPost I don't have a recent photo on my HD of the latest additions like a hose reel on the table top for the sprayer mounted to the wall and a recharging system for the battery. We had bulkheads installed to protect the outer walls of the van and all of the cargo area is lined with Herculiner to help protect it from water and chemical damage. Rod!~

A girl! Rod!~

I have gas! Would it raise the temperatures a few* if I passed it? :) Damn greenhouse gases. On the more serious side, I have noticed a shift in season patterns in so much that they have shifted past the solstices. No, I am not a climatologist nor can I speak eloquently with the terminology, but I do notice weather patterns due to the fact that we woodies are so interminably affected by them. Rod!~